Tony Romo returns to form in preseason debut for Cowboys

Tony Romo looked like his old self in his preseason debut. (Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)

The Ravens’ 37-30 victory against the Cowboys gave us an extended look at starters for both teams. Here are some of the key takeaways from the game:

– Same old Romo: Tony Romo showed no ill effects of his December back surgery. In his first game action since the procedure, Romo completed 4-of-5 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown. He also showed his trademark ability to sidestep the rush, evading Pernell McPhee with a spin move on one throw. Yes, Romo fumbled a handoff that Ravens linebacker Courtney Upshaw then returned for a touchdown. But there’s no sense in criticizing Romo for one preseason timing issue.

– Flacco’s early jitters: Joe Flacco didn’t inspire much faith with his 0-for-5 start, but he settled down to finish 9-of-17 passing for 113 yards. Still, that probably falls well short of what should have been a momentum-building start against an undermanned defense. Flacco’s performance shouldn’t be taken as a harbinger of what’s to come this season, but he’ll have to work through a few issues with new offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak this week.

– Injury watch: The Ravens might be more careful with their starters moving forward. Baltimore avoided disaster when X-rays for Jimmy Smith (chest) and Ray Rice (shoulder) came back negative. Cornerback is the Ravens’ thinnest position, and they can’t afford for Smith or Lardarius Webb to miss any significant time. Dez Bryant’s leaping touchdown against a lost Dominique Franks gave the Ravens a window into a world without their top two corners.

At running back, Bernard Pierce (7 carries, 55 yards) and Lorenzo Taliaferro (16 carries, 59 yards) give Baltimore a solid backup plan while Rice serves a two-game suspension. But missing Rice for any additional time could be another tough adjustment for an offense in transition.

– Late returns: Has Deonte Thompson finally flipped the switch? Thompson signed with Florida as a heralded recruit with blazing speed. But his shaky hands and streaky play kept him from ever living up to the expectations. Having joined the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2012, Thompson finally showed his value as a kick returner with a 108-yard touchdown Saturday against the Cowboys. Even if the Ravens can’t find a roster spot for him, a team in need of a boost on special teams likely would pick him up.

– Quiet rush: Pernell McPhee recaptured some of his rookie magic by consistently pressuring the Cowboys’ quarterbacks. The fourth-year outside linebacker won’t be cutting into Terrell Suggs’ snaps anytime soon, but he can be a valuable substitution in spots. McPhee has just 3.5 sacks in his last two seasons after tallying 6 in his first year, but look for him to boost his total this season if he gets the right opportunities.